Case Study: Error Analysis

In searching for the specific reasons behind Justin’s reading difficulties, several error analysis tests were conducted. Justin read from several DRA (Developmental Reading Assessments) leveled passages, Pre-primer through first grade Dolch word lists, and single syllable nonsense syllable word lists in an attempt to identify what combinations of letters and sounds cause him the most difficulty.

Justin’s errors are many, covering many facets of words. An extensive list of his errors, showing what the correct word was and what Justin read follows this summary. As can be seen, Justin makes mistakes in some beginning consonants, vowel sounds, vowel blends, the number of syllables in words, middle consonant sounds, and consonant blends. His weakest points often involved middle consonant sounds and consonant blends, and the letter “y.” Justin also seemed to forget letter sounds unless reminded. For example, when reading the word “There” he would say “here.” In another instance, Justin sounded out “kept” but when asked to put it all together, he said “pekt.” When asked to double check, he could fix this error on his own. At other times, however, his reading seemed random, with no obvious mistake, which he could not fix when prompted to try again. For example, he read “bike” for the word “know,” “light” for the word “first,” and “worked” for the word “shoveled.”

While reading, Justin did show certain strengths. Justin is very adept at using picture clues to figure out unknown words. When reading a passage about a girl getting dressed, Justin would find the newest article of clothing in the picture to fill in the new word in the text. When questioned, he states he uses this method often when reading other materials for school. Considering Justin compared to other children in the class, Justin seems better at memorizing words for the duration of a reading passage. Originally unknown words which are given to him are remembered when they reappear. Though Justin is not perfect with this method, he was notably better than many of his higher scoring peers.

In discussing Justin’s error analysis scores with his teachers, it was decided that the error patterns, or lack of error patterns, was typical of Justin’s past performance. Once behavioral data is collected, hypothesis testing will be used to finalize an intervention plan.

Click Here for the original paper with a full error outline.

Filed under: EDC 514-515 Academic Assessment for Intervention
Copyright: February, 2004 - David Profitt